Romanian president announces January referendum among magistrates amid justice system dispute

Romanian president Nicușor Dan announced on Sunday, December 21, that he will initiate a referendum among magistrates in January to determine whether the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) acts in the public interest or in the interest of an internal group within the judicial system. He said the decision comes amid what he described as a serious crisis of confidence in the justice system, fueled by numerous complaints and allegations raised by magistrates themselves.

President Dan stressed that the issues brought to his attention are allegations and notifications, not established facts, and that their verification would require lengthy procedures.